These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a broader pattern that highlights a growing challenge for businesses that rely on passenger vehicle fleets. When recalls affect popular models, the ripple effects extend far beyond individual car owners to impact entire organizations and their operational capabilities, including significant productivity hits and unexpected costs.  

But these events also reveal important lessons about vehicle program strategy that forward-thinking companies are already applying. 

The Hidden Risks of Fleet Standardization 

When companies standardize their vehicle fleets around specific makes and models, they inadvertently concentrate risk. Imagine a field sales team where 80% of employees drive the same recalled Mercedes GLC or Honda Pilot. Suddenly, the majority of your mobile workforce faces potential safety risks and service disruptions simultaneously. 

The Mercedes recall specifically affects vehicles where “the rear occupant’s head may contact the C-pillar, which might not absorb enough impact” in crash scenarios, while the Honda brake pedal defect “could hinder braking function, which increases the risk of crashes or injury to vehicle occupants”. These aren’t minor inconveniences—they’re serious safety concerns that can ground entire fleet segments overnight. 

The business implications extend beyond safety: 

• Service bottlenecks: Dealership service departments become overwhelmed when hundreds of identical vehicles need simultaneous repairs 
• Productivity losses: Field teams may be sidelined for days or weeks while waiting for parts and service appointments 
• Unexpected costs: Companies may need to arrange temporary transportation or rental vehicles 
• Compliance challenges: Businesses face liability risks if they continue deploying vehicles with known safety defects 

The Power of Personal Choice in Vehicle Reimbursement 

Forward-thinking companies are discovering that diversified vehicle strategies—particularly those that give employees choice in their personal vehicles while reimbursing business use—offer natural protection against these concentrated risks. 

When employees drive their own vehicles for work under programs like Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) reimbursements, businesses naturally achieve vehicle diversification. One employee might choose a Toyota Camry, another a Ford F-150, and yet another a Chevrolet Equinox. This organic diversity means recalls typically affect only a small percentage of the workforce at any given time. 

Geographic Considerations Matter Too 

Vehicle recalls highlight another advantage of flexible reimbursement programs: Geographic adaptability. While a fleet manager in Detroit might standardize one vehicle type, employees across different regions have varying needs. A sales representative in rural Montana requires different vehicle capabilities than a consultant navigating downtown San Francisco. 

Modern vehicle reimbursement solutions address this by providing location-specific reimbursement rates that account for local costs and driving conditions. Employees can choose vehicles suited to both their personal needs and professional requirements, while companies benefit from improved employee satisfaction and reduced administrative overhead. 

Beyond Risk Management: The Employee Experience 

Recent employee driver surveys show that vehicle choice ranks among the top factors in employee satisfaction for roles requiring business driving. When companies dictate specific vehicle models, they often fail to account for individual circumstances—family size, commute requirements, personal preferences, and financial situations. 

Flexible reimbursement programs recognize that the best vehicle for business use is often the one an employee has already chosen for their personal needs. This approach eliminates the artificial separation between personal and professional vehicle requirements while giving companies predictable, manageable costs. 

Technology Enables Transparency 

Modern reimbursement platforms provide the visibility and control that finance teams require without the operational complexity of traditional fleet management. GPS-validated mileage tracking, automated compliance reporting, and real-time spend visibility give businesses enterprise-grade oversight while maintaining employee autonomy. 

These systems can quickly identify if employees are driving recalled vehicles and help coordinate alternative arrangements, demonstrating how technology can enhance both flexibility and safety management. 

Preparing for the Unexpected 

The Mercedes and Honda recalls serve as timely reminders that vehicle safety issues can emerge without warning. While companies can’t predict which vehicles will face recalls, they can structure their vehicle programs to minimize operational disruption when recalls occur. 

Key considerations for resilient vehicle strategies include: 

• Diversification: Avoid concentrating too many employees in identical vehicle models 
• Flexibility: Choose programs that can adapt quickly to changing circumstances 
• Geographic relevance: Ensure reimbursement rates reflect local market conditions and driving requirements 
• Employee choice: Leverage employees’ personal vehicle decisions to achieve natural diversification 
• Technology integration: Use platforms that provide visibility and can quickly identify affected vehicles 

Looking Forward 

As the automotive industry continues evolving—with new technologies, changing safety standards, and emerging regulations—the ability to adapt quickly becomes increasingly valuable. Companies that have invested in flexible, employee-centric vehicle programs are better positioned to navigate these changes while maintaining operational continuity. 

The recent recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles remind us that no manufacturer is immune to safety issues. Smart businesses are recognizing that vehicle program flexibility isn’t just about cost optimization—it’s about operational resilience, employee satisfaction, and risk management. 

While Mercedes-Benz and Honda work to address their current safety concerns, forward-thinking companies are already evaluating whether their vehicle strategies provide adequate protection against future disruptions. In an era where business agility can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving, vehicle program flexibility deserves serious consideration. 

For businesses evaluating their current vehicle programs or considering transitions from traditional fleet models, professional guidance can help navigate the complexities of modern reimbursement strategies while ensuring compliance and optimizing costs. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What vehicles are affected by the recent Mercedes-Benz and Honda recalls? 

A: Mercedes-Benz recalled 92,851 vehicles including certain 2023-2025 GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, AMG GLC43 4Matic, GLC350e 4Matic, and AMG GLC63 S E Performance SUVs with panoramic sunroofs due to C-pillar safety issues. Honda recalled over 259,000 vehicles including 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot models due to brake pedal defects. 

Q: How do vehicle recalls impact businesses with company car fleets? 

A: When businesses standardize around specific vehicle models, recalls can simultaneously affect large portions of their mobile workforce. This creates service bottlenecks at dealerships, productivity losses while vehicles are being repaired, unexpected costs for temporary transportation, and potential liability risks if recalled vehicles continue to be used for business purposes. 

Q: What advantages do employee-choice vehicle programs offer during recalls? 

A: Programs that allow employees to choose their own vehicles for business use naturally create vehicle diversification. Instead of having 80% of a fleet affected by a single recall, only a small percentage of employees typically drive any one model, minimizing operational disruption and spreading risk across multiple manufacturers and vehicle types. 

Q: How do modern vehicle reimbursement programs provide business oversight? 

A: Today’s reimbursement platforms offer GPS-validated mileage tracking, automated compliance reporting, and real-time spend visibility. These systems can quickly identify employees driving recalled vehicles and help coordinate alternative arrangements while maintaining the flexibility and cost predictability that businesses need. 

Q: What should businesses consider when evaluating their vehicle program strategy? 

A: Key factors include vehicle diversification to avoid concentrated recall risk, program flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, geographic relevance for location-specific needs, employee choice to leverage personal vehicle decisions, and technology integration for visibility and quick response to safety issues. 

The post Major Auto Recalls Hit 350,000+ Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz and Honda Safety Issues Expose Passenger Fleet Vulnerabilities appeared first on Motus.

The Hidden Financial Risks of Your Driving Workforce 

For financial leaders, understanding the full scope of risk associated with driving employees is critical. Consider these sobering statistics: 

• 75% of drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive after revocation 
• 1 in 7 drivers on the road today operate without insurance 

For businesses with field teams, these statistics translate to significant financial exposure. When an employee drives for company purposes, their actions behind the wheel become your corporate liability—regardless of whether they’re in a company vehicle or using their personal car for business. 

Traditional approaches to managing this corporate risk are not only ineffective but drain valuable resources. Many companies still rely on: 

• Manual, quarterly license verification processes that become outdated immediately after completion 
• Disconnected systems for tracking insurance compliance 
• Paper-based mileage logs that create audit risks 
• Reimbursement practices that may not align with labor law requirements 

The CFO’s Corporate Risk Reduction Opportunity 

As steward of your company’s financial resources, you need visibility into potential exposures before they impact the bottom line. An integrated risk mitigation approach delivers measurable results: 

• 3-12x improved visibility into driver risk areas 
• 400x faster insurance verifications than competitive solutions 
• Up to 77% decrease in violations within the first 12 months of implementation 

These metrics directly translate to reduced liability exposure and potential insurance premium savings—outcomes that immediately strengthen your financial position. 

IRS Compliance: Avoiding Costly Audit Triggers 

Beyond direct liability concerns, vehicle reimbursement programs carry tax compliance considerations that fall squarely within the CFO’s domain. Improperly documented reimbursements can trigger IRS scrutiny, leading to: 

• Reclassification of reimbursements as taxable income 
• Back taxes and penalties 
• Time-consuming audits that divert finance team resources 

An integrated solution provides automatic and on-demand generation of IRS-compliant records, ensuring substantiated reimbursements that satisfy regulatory requirements. 

Labor Law Compliance: Mitigating Legal Exposure 

Many states have enacted laws requiring timely and fair reimbursement for employee business expenses. Non-compliance with these regulations creates legal exposure that can result in class-action lawsuits and significant settlements. 

Financial leaders need solutions that ensure: 

• Fair and substantiated reimbursements that comply with IRS regulations 
• Timely payments that satisfy labor law requirements 
• Transparent documentation that demonstrates due diligence 

The Single-Pane-of-Glass Advantage 

Unlike piecemeal approaches that require managing multiple vendors and logging into different systems, an integrated risk mitigation solution provides centralized visibility and control. 

For CFOs, this translates to: 

• Streamlined administrative processes 
• Reduced overhead costs 
• Data-driven insights to inform financial planning 
• Enterprise-grade solutions that scale with your business 

Making the Financial Case for Integrated Risk Management 

With 92% of companies achieving ROI in less than 12 months, investing in comprehensive risk mitigation for driving employees delivers clear financial benefits: 

1. Reduced liability exposure through proactive risk management 
2. Lower administrative costs through automation and centralization 
3. Compliance assurance that minimizes tax and legal risks 
4. Data-driven insights that enable more strategic resource allocation 

Next Steps for Forward-Thinking Financial Leaders 

As your company navigates an increasingly complex business landscape, your vehicle reimbursement strategy represents both a corporate risk to mitigate and an opportunity to optimize. 

By implementing a solution that provides visibility into license status and insurance coverage, delivers effective driver training, automates IRS-compliant record generation, and ensures labor law compliance, you position your organization for stronger financial performance while protecting against potentially significant liabilities. 

Trusted by more than 3,600 companies across North America, Motus offers the expertise and technology to help your organization build a tailored vehicle program that reduces risk and delivers measurable financial benefits. 

Understand how to Minimize Corporate Risk Exposure with Motus in our detailed whitepaper.

Learn how easy it is to build a risk-mitigating vehicle program that protects your bottom line. Contact our team today to start your assessment. 

The post Minimizing Corporate Risk: Why Prioritize Vehicle Reimbursement Solutions appeared first on Motus.

In the agriculture and farm management industry, professional image matters. When field representatives meet with landowners, farmers, and agricultural partners, the vehicle they arrive in makes a powerful first impression that can influence business relationships and negotiations. 

For agricultural service providers like Hertz Farm Management, balancing professional image requirements with practical business constraints presented a unique challenge—one that was solved through innovative vehicle reimbursement solutions. 

Breaking the Myth: Personal Vehicles Can Enhance Agricultural Brand Image 

One persistent myth in the agriculture sector is that company-provided passenger fleet vehicles are essential for maintaining a consistent, professional brand image. However, agricultural field teams are increasingly demonstrating that personal vehicles can actually elevate brand representation when supported by the right reimbursement program. 

Case Study: How Hertz Farm Management Transformed Their Vehicle Program 

The professional driving force at Hertz Farm Management takes tremendous pride in their work—pride that naturally extends to the vehicles they choose for client visits and property inspections across rural America. 

The Challenge: Premium Vehicles Without Premium Fleet Costs 

As Hertz Farm Management’s field representatives increasingly felt compelled to “put their best foot forward” with more premium vehicle choices, the company faced a dilemma: delivering luxury cars as part of a fleet program simply wasn’t financially sustainable. 

CFO Gary Meier recognized both the business need for professional presentation and the financial reality of fleet management. His solution? Partnering with Motus to develop a vehicle reimbursement plan that satisfies both budgetary constraints and the needs of Hertz Farm Management’s critical team of driving employees. 

The Solution: Customized Reimbursement for Premium Vehicle Support 

The Motus-powered program delivered a best-of-both-worlds scenario that provided: 

• Rich enough reimbursement rates to support higher-end vehicle ownership 
• Cost offsets that make maintaining premium vehicles financially viable 
• Flexible options that accommodate the unique driving patterns of agricultural professionals 
• Simplified administration compared to traditional fleet management 

Dispelling Concerns: Field Team Retention Without Company Cars 

Another common misconception in agriculture and farm management is that eliminating company cars will lead to employee attrition. The experience at Hertz Farm Management tells a different story. 

When the company transitioned from their traditional fleet model toward a reimbursement solution from Motus, they encountered something surprising: zero objections from their prized field team. 

This smooth transition was possible because: 

1. Clear communication about the financial benefits of the new program 
2. Transparent demonstration of how reimbursement rates were calculated 
3. Emphasis on vehicle freedom and the ability to choose higher-end models 
4. Ongoing support during the transition period 

As Gary Meier explains, the vehicle reimbursement solution allowed field teams to get behind the wheel of more prestigious vehicles without overburdening either the employees or the company financially. 

Vehicle Requirements Unique to Agricultural Professionals 

Agricultural field representatives face unique challenges that make vehicle selection particularly important: 

• Rural terrain navigation requiring vehicles with appropriate capabilities 
• Seasonal driving conditions across farms, ranches, and agricultural properties 
• Long-distance travel between widely dispersed client locations 
• Professional image requirements when meeting with landowners and investors 
• Cargo capacity needs for equipment, samples, and materials 

A flexible vehicle reimbursement program allows these professionals to select vehicles that meet these specific needs while maintaining the professional image required in the industry. 

The Financial Advantage for Agricultural Businesses 

For farm management companies and agricultural service providers operating on tight margins, the financial benefits of transitioning to vehicle reimbursement programs are substantial: 

• Elimination of upfront fleet purchase costs 
• Reduced liability exposure compared to company-owned vehicles 
• No depreciation losses on aging fleet assets 
• Simplified budgeting with predictable reimbursement costs 
• Tax advantages through properly structured programs 

Building a Vehicle Program That Works for Agricultural Field Teams 

If your agricultural business is considering transitioning from a fleet program to a vehicle reimbursement solution, consider these industry-specific best practices: 

1. Account for rural driving patterns in reimbursement calculations 
2. Consider seasonal fluctuations in mileage and driving conditions 
3. Provide educational resources about vehicle selection for rural professionals 
4. Implement simple mileage tracking suited to areas with limited connectivity 
5. Create transparent communication about how reimbursements are calculated 

Transform Your Agricultural Fleet Strategy 

Ready to implement a vehicle reimbursement program that allows your agricultural field representatives to maintain a premium professional image while saving your business money? 

Motus has deep experience in the agriculture and farm management sectors, helping companies like Hertz Farm Management create win-win vehicle solutions that satisfy both financial requirements and field team preferences. 

Contact our agricultural vehicle program specialists to learn how we can customize a solution for your unique needs. 

The post Premium Vehicle Solutions: How Agricultural Field Teams Elevate Professional Image Without Fleet Costs appeared first on Motus.

Driving employees and field representatives are the backbone of countless organizations—putting in countless hours and miles to drive on-the-ground results while simultaneously representing your brand in the marketplace. These road warriors deserve compensation solutions that truly benefit them, not just the company. 

Despite persistent myths in the industry, tax-advantaged vehicle reimbursement programs are increasingly preferred by employees over traditional company car arrangements—once they understand the full financial picture. 

Debunking the Myths: What Driving Employees Really Want 

Many fleet managers and HR leaders operate under the misconception that employees view company cars as the ultimate perk. In reality, when presented with a clear comparison between fleet programs and modern reimbursement solutions, employees consistently recognize the advantages of the latter approach. 

The key difference? Freedom of choice and greater financial benefits. 

The Tax Advantage: More Money in Employees’ Pockets 

One of the most compelling yet least understood advantages of vehicle reimbursement programs is their tax efficiency compared to traditional car allowances. 

The Hidden Tax Burden of Car Allowances 

As Daniel James, who has managed the vehicle program for Lexicon Pharmaceuticals for over 9 years, explains: 

“Helping employees understand the ‘tax advantage’ of vehicle reimbursement strategies versus car allowances is crucial. The fundamental difference is that car allowances are taxed, while properly structured vehicle reimbursement programs aren’t—which ultimately means more money, immediately, in employees’ pockets.” 

Motus provides organizations with visibility tools that clearly demonstrate in a simple matrix the before-and-after financial impact of transitioning to vehicle reimbursements, highlighting both the immediate payment increases and long-term benefits. 

Empowerment Through Choice: The Psychological Benefit 

Beyond financial advantages, there’s a psychological benefit to allowing employees to select their own vehicles that many companies underestimate. 

Theresa Stryzewski, HR Operations Analyst at Builders FirstSource, observes that employees actually take comfort in foregoing the company car in favor of a personal vehicle reimbursement arrangement. Rather than feeling they’ve lost a valuable perk, they report feeling more empowered by having the ability to choose the best automobile for both their professional responsibilities and personal lifestyle needs. 

This empowerment factor creates: 

• Higher job satisfaction among field representatives 
• Stronger retention rates for driving employees 
• Increased sense of autonomy that translates to better performance 
• Better work-life integration with a single vehicle for all needs 

Making the Transition: From Fleet to Reimbursement 

When organizations clearly communicate both the benefits of flexible vehicle reimbursement strategies and the limitations of traditional fleet programs, the transition becomes what many of our clients call a “no-brainer.” 

Key Components of Successful Transition Communication: 

1. Transparent financial comparisons showing actual take-home compensation differences 
2. Clear explanation of tax advantages in language employees can understand 
3. Emphasis on vehicle choice and autonomy as a valuable benefit 
4. Detailed breakdown of reduced administrative burden for employees (no more fleet paperwork) 

Real Results: The Win-Win Reality of Vehicle Reimbursement 

The myth that vehicle reimbursement can’t benefit both employer and employee simultaneously has been thoroughly debunked by organizations across industries. 

Companies implementing Motus reimbursement programs report: 

• 20-30% cost reduction compared to traditional fleet programs 
• Higher employee satisfaction scores related to compensation packages 
• Streamlined administration with automated mileage tracking and reporting 
• Reduced liability concerns associated with company-owned vehicles 

Transform Your Vehicle Program Strategy Today 

Ready to help your driving employees understand the substantial benefits of switching from company cars to a tax-advantaged vehicle reimbursement program? 

Motus provides the tools, expertise, and support needed to make this transition smooth for both your organization and your valued field representatives. 

Request a consultation with our vehicle program experts to learn how your organization can implement a win-win vehicle reimbursement solution. 

The post Tax-Free Vehicle Reimbursement: The Hidden Benefit Driving Employees Prefer Over Company Cars appeared first on Motus.

During CES 2024, dozens of concept cars and prototypes were unveiled from both legacy brands and startups. This included futuristic cargo vans, all-electric sports cars, and even overhauled classics that embrace autonomous driving.  

While CES 2025 was a little lighter on big-name marquees compared to past years, there were blockbuster announcements from Hyundai, BMW and more—not to mention the hundreds of non-automotive breakthroughs that grabbed headlines throughout. 

An emphasis on customizability and ‘driver choice’ underlies much of the automotive innovations at CES 2025. This is a direct response to the deep desire most people have for vehicles that adapt to their lifestyle, personality, and even business driving needs.  

We’ll unpack a pair of the most exciting drops out of CES 2025, along with our take on what these latest innovations will mean for consumers and businesses in the years to come.  

One-two punch: Honda 0 EV prototypes 

Honda first announced the 0 EV line at CES 2024 as a salve to the “thick, heavy” EVs currently on the market—likely a veiled dig at Tesla and the divisive Cybertruck.  

The Saloon and Space-Hub concept cars were designed with three “defining principles”: Thin, Light and Wise. Taking cues from Honda’s legacy in F1—as well as the company’s game-changing innovations in robotics—these new designs look notably smoother than many of the most popular EVs on the road today.  

Along with unveiling roadworthy prototypes of both the Saloon and Space-Hub, Honda shared more details about the 0 OS, the brand’s exclusive automated driving technology, and the system-on-a-chip that will underpin the passenger and driver experience.  

The Saloon model can best be described as “sedan-like” in function but shares more design cues with an Indy race car than your neighbor’s Accord. While some critics have compared it’s looks to a dustbuster, the Saloon concept boasts a spacious interior with wagon proportions, mixing racer-looks with the utility of a daily driver.  

The Space-Hub concept has more in common with traditional people-movers compared to the Saloon, taking inspiration from traditional minivans—even resembling the Rivian EVs that Amazon has started deploying for delivery. On the inside, the Space-Hub is akin to a greenhouse-on-wheels, with panoramic windows and transparent ceilings designed to connect passengers with the world outside.  

Some of the functionality that Honda has already teased includes a slew of AI-powered features. The brand has also teased the ability for drivers to toggle between human and robot driving.  

While most businesses today are a long way off from employing fully autonomous cars in their vehicle programs, hybrid driving systems like Honda’s “toggle” are anticipated to hit the roads next year. This will be a development that businesses with personal-use vehicle programs will need to keep tabs on, ensuring proper compliance and safety guardrails are in place for both driving employees and the company.  

Depending on how prevalent these driving systems are in the future, businesses may need to start baking autonomous use protocols into their vehicle program mandates sooner than later.  

Volkswagen enters the EV truck game with Scout 

VW is taking a big swing on nostalgia with their backing of Scout Motors, a resuscitated American truck brand a truck that enjoyed cult popularity between 1961 and 1980. The original Scout trucks were compact but known for their rugged versatility: What they weren’t known for was being an EV company. However, with the market for electric trucks hotter than ever, Scout CEO Scott Keough hopes to build on the brand’s legacy of innovation.  

“Scout was certainly ahead of its time in inventing the SUV segment and tapping into the American psyche of exploration,” Keogh said at a press conference unveiling the Traveler and Terra concepts back in October. “The original core idea—rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty—is more relevant than ever […] We want to bring the best of the past ideals forward, not some warmed-over nostalgic haze.” 

While the press got a preview of the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup late last year, road-ready prototypes dropped during CES 2025 along with more details around the unique technology and pricing that consumers can expect when the trucks come to market.  

Customizability is the name-of-the-game for Scout, as both models will have full-EV or range-extended powertrain options. Buyers will also be able to customize features like auxiliary lighting, fold-back tops, off-road bumpers and more.  

Of course, not all these features of the Scout will translate from personal use to business travel. They do, however, exemplify the exact sort of personalization that many drivers want from a vehicle used for both daily driving and off-hours recreation.  

Peeking into future of personal and business driving 

Many of the early prototypes unveiled at CES today will be tomorrow’s daily drivers. Most of the technologies are still new—and political roadblocks could halt momentum in EV adoption—but consumer demand is already there for more versatile cars that can serve personal, business and even recreational purposes. 

Whether EVs or traditional ICEs, the vehicles drivers use for work and off-hours need to suit the interests of everyone responsible for what happens on the road. As companies continue adopting less prescriptive vehicle programs to accommodate the tastes of their employees, program administrators must stay on top of the risk and rewards of individual models. 

The latest technology will also be key to supporting the next generation of vehicles used for work. Learn more about how to design a vehicle program that meets the needs of your business and employees in our guide and how cutting-edge tools can help streamline your program management from the top-down. . 

CES 2025: Top 5 FAQ About Future Vehicle Technology

What are the major automotive announcements out of CES 2025?

Key presentations include: 

• Honda 0 EV prototype unveilings  
• Saloon model (sedan-like race car design) 
• Space-Hub model (innovative people mover) 
• Volkswagen’s Scout Motors reveals  
• Terra pickup truck prototype 
• Traveler SUV prototype 
• Additional announcements from:  
• Hyundai 
• Suzuki 
• BMW 
• Other automotive innovators

What innovations did Honda bring to CES 2025?

Honda’s 0 EV line features: 

• “Thin, Light and Wise” design principles 
• New 0 OS proprietary automated driving technology 
• Custom system-on-a-chip for enhanced user experience 
• AI-powered features 
• Toggle capability between human and robot driving 
• Spacious interiors with innovative designs 
• Streamlined aesthetics compared to current EVs 
• F1 and robotics-inspired technology

What is Volkswagen’s Scout Motors revival bringing to market?

Scout’s new electric vehicles offer: 

• Revival of the classic American truck brand 
• Full-EV and range-extended powertrain options 
• Customizable features including:  
• Auxiliary lighting 
• Fold-back tops 
• Off-road bumpers 
• Various personalization options 
• Focus on versatility for both work and recreation 
• Blend of nostalgic design and modern technology 

How will these innovations impact business vehicle programs?

Key considerations for businesses include: 

• Need for new autonomous driving protocols 
• Updated safety guidelines for hybrid driving systems 
• Consideration of EV integration into fleets 
• Balance between personal and business vehicle use 
• Risk management for new technology adoption 
• Employee preference accommodation 
• Program flexibility requirements 

What trends are emerging in future vehicle development?

Major industry trends include: 

• Shift toward versatile vehicles serving multiple purposes 
• Integration of AI and autonomous driving capabilities 
• Focus on customization and personalization options 
• Evolution of traditional manufacturers into tech companies 
• Emphasis on user experience and connectivity 
• Balance between work and personal vehicle use 
• Growing demand for sustainable transportation options 

Note: While these technologies are still developing, businesses should stay informed about these trends to prepare for future vehicle program adaptations. 

The post CES 2025: A peek into the future of driving appeared first on Motus.

Fill Up Your Tank First Thing in the Morning

All service stations store their gasoline in underground tanks. As with all matter, gasoline expands when it’s warmed and becomes denser when it’s cool. Therefore, if you purchase gasoline in the afternoon or evening after the sun has warmed the ground, you’ll get less gas in your gallon than if you had refueled that morning, when the ground temperature was still low.

Fill Up Slowly

Looking to learn how to fill gas the right way? Could there be more to the process than unscrewing the fuel cap, putting the nozzle in the tank and fueling away? As it turns out, there is a right way and a reason for it. While getting gas probably isn’t your favorite activity, trying to speed up the process could actually reduce your gas efficiency. Applying pressure to the gasoline nozzle to fill your tank as quickly as possible turns some of the gas into vapor. All pump hoses are equipped with a vapor return that sucks vapor back into the holding tank. That means you’re charged for the gas that comes out, it vaporizes, and never actually enters your car — meaning you get less gas than you’ve paid for.

Don’t Wait Until You’re On E Before Filling Up

Gasoline begins to evaporate when it comes into contact with air, which is why gasoline storage tanks have a floating roof that serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere. Driving around with an almost empty tank makes the remaining gas evaporate more quickly. Fill your tank whenever it drops below half-full for optimal fuel efficiency.

Stay at the Speed Limit

Fuel efficiency usually decreases rapidly above 50 miles per hour (MPH). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each 5 MPH you drive over 50 is like paying 14 cents more per gallon of gas.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that properly inflated tires can improve mileage by up to 3.3%, while under-inflated tires can reduce gas mileage by 0.3% for every 1-psi drop in pressure. It’s especially important to check your tire pressure when the temperature falls. Experts advise that tires can lose 1-2 pounds of air pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature.

If You See the Tanker Truck at the Gas Station, Turn Around

When the fuel truck refills the station’s storage tank, it can stir up any contaminates already present, such as sludge, water and dirt. If you fill up now, you will likely get contaminates with your gasoline, which affects both performance and efficiency.

Making the Most of Your Reimbursement

Every drop of gas (or lack thereof) adds up when you’re an mobile worker who is constantly on the road. Practicing these tips can help ensure you get what you pay for and you’re maximizing your reimbursements.

The post Getting More Bang for Your Buck at the Pump appeared first on Motus.

When companies decide to make the transition away from a CPM program, it’s understandable that employees used to receiving a reimbursement will have questions about how the change will impact them. So, what are some questions that employees will have when switching away from a CPM reimbursement program? 

Will my fixed rate update? If so, when? 

Your fixed rate will only be updated if your address changes or your company’s program changes. Typically, if you are living in the same location and driving the amount of mileage expected, you’ll only see an update to your fixed rate once a year when your company reviews the program. However, if you move to a new zip code, take a new role, or are driving considerably less or more than expected, your fixed rate may be adjusted accordingly.

Can I submit multiple times per month? What if I submit before the month is over? 

It’s important to remember that mileage entry and mileage submission are different. If you’re submitting your mileage, that means that you’re finalizing the month and you’re informing Motus that you’re no longer driving for the month.  

This should only be done once at the end of the month. If you submit mileage early, the month closes so you won’t be able to continue logging mileage. Although you’ll enter/log mileage daily via GPS or manually, make sure to only submit mileage once per month. 

If you’re carpooling, who logs the mileage? 

It’s fine if you rideshare for work. Please note that the only person who should be logging mileage for reimbursement is the owner or renter of the vehicle that’s in motion. 

What if you’re stuck in traffic and your vehicle is not moving? Does the reimbursement account for idling? 

Great Question! Reimbursements will directly account for expenses that everyone experiences across the board for business use of a personal vehicle but won’t directly reimburse for things like tolls or idling situations because those are situational.  

When you’re reimbursed, we do consider something called a metro percentage which estimates the amount of driving you’ll do in stop and go conditions (or consistently under 35mph). This indirectly accounts for things like idling during your day and driving in the city where you’re using more gas, but not additional idling that happens by choice.  

I bought a new car after I put my other car in to start with Motus. Should I just change the information on the website? 

Yes. You can change this information via the website or the app by simply completing the same process as you did before. If you’re on the web, the links will say update rather than submit/upload. To clear the vehicle information, you may need to click “modify” once the vehicle information form opens. 

Does the Motus App track my speed? 

No, it does not. The IRS doesn’t require speed data to validate travel for reimbursement, so it’s not something that Motus calculates and records. You can see the start and stop time and trip duration as that is information the IRS requires for compliant logs, but calculating your speed would have to be done manually considering our app doesn’t do so automatically. 

Pro Tips:  

• Your reimbursement won’t be affected by having a vehicle with an odometer reading above or below the miles in the retention period. The number of miles is an estimate and is not related to receiving or not receiving the reimbursement. 

• We’re looking for the actual vehicle age, not time on the program. 

• You can drive whatever vehicle you want, regardless of age. Reimbursements will undergo taxability testing if you’re out of compliance. 

If I get a new car, do I get more money back than an older car?

Great question! The reimbursement that’s calculated is based on the standard automobile, which is always brand new each year. Since we’re not using your personal vehicles to calculate reimbursements, then the fixed payment would not increase due to the purchase of a new vehicle.  

Admins and drivers alike have questions when transitioning from a cents-per-mile reimbursement program  

It’s normal for questions to pop up from all areas of the company. Drivers will likely wonder how the program affects them, while admins will want to know how to manage it. Getting everyone on the same page is key to making the transition smooth. 

That’s why we put together this guide—to help business leaders get a clear picture of what it’s like to work with us. 

The post Frequently Asked Questions By Drivers Transitioning From CPM appeared first on Motus.

So, when companies decide to change their reimbursement program to provide a more accurate reimbursement, a lot of questions will arise. That’s why our amazing Support Teams are here to help! Plus, our Help Center is packed with articles for those proactive employees. 

Ready to hear some commonly asked questions from employees when their company moves on from Allowance reimbursements? 

Why is my reimbursement different from my co-workers?

We hear this question a lot and this is an excellent question! It is important to remember that allowance programs were developed to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Allowance programs do not consider how many miles are driven or even where an employee lives. 

With individualized reimbursement solutions such as FAVR (Fixed and Variable Rate) they look at individual factors when calculating one’s reimbursement. Because of this, the Fixed and Variable rates could vary from person to person to determine a fair and accurate reimbursement.

Is the variable reimbursement based on where I live or where I drive? 

Essentially, it’s a combination of the two. When Motus collects fuel data, we collect from over 150,000 fueling stations with an employee’s Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is larger are than just the zip code of where they live.  

This helps ensure that data is being collected from the area you live and drive in throughout the week. 

Will my Fixed Rate always be the same or can it change? 

Great question! Typically, if an employee is living in the same area and is driving the expected number of business mileage, they could see a change to their fixed rate once a year when the company does their annual evaluation of their reimbursement program. However, there are certain instances where it can change before the yearly evaluation: 

• If you move to a new zip code, the fixed rate is recalculated based on cost of insurance premiums, license and registration fees, and taxes. 

• If you’re driving considerably more or less mileage than expected the adjustment to your annual expected business miles can recalculate the fixed rate. 

If I buy a new car will that increase my Fixed Rate? 

The short answer, no. To explain, the fixed payment is calculated based on the following factors: 

• Your employer’s required insurance premiums (Based on the employee’s home zip code) 

• License & Registration Fees (Based on the employee’s home zip code) 

• Taxes (Based on the MSRP of the standard automobile) 

• Depreciation (Based on the employees Annual Expected Business Mileage) 

The reimbursement is calculated based on the selection of a “Standard Automobile” that your company chooses. Since the personal vehicle being reported is not being used, the rate would remain the same if new vehicle details are updated.  

How is taxability determined on FAVR reimbursement program? 

Historically, allowance programs did not meet IRS requirements and were subject to a taxability test. If your company moved to an IRS compliant reimbursement program, there is a list of requirements to a tax-free reimbursement: 

• The MSRP plus the sales tax of your personal vehicle, when it was new, must equal at least the price listed on your Business Vehicle Information Form. This is regardless of if you bought the vehicle new or used and what you paid for. 

• The model year of your personal vehicle must not differ from the current calendar year by more than the number of years in your retention period which can be found online on the employee’s reimbursement schedule. 

• You must carry at least the minimum insurance limits listed on your online reimbursement schedule required by your employer 

• Your insurance declaration and business vehicle information forms must be submitted to Motus within 30 days of your start date on the program. 

• You must substantiate a minimum of 5,000 business miles in the tax year. If you are not enrolled in the Motus Program for a full 12 months, the 5,000-business mile requirement is prorated according to your start date or number of active days on the program. 

• If you receive reimbursements for months when you were not an active employee, the amount paid during that period must be treated as income and taxed accordingly. 

If one or more of the requirements is not met, Motus performs a Taxability Test that multiplies your submitted mileage by the IRS Safe Harbor Rate for that given period. Any reimbursements you receive more than this amount should be considered as income and must be taxed accordingly. 

Drivers aren’t the only ones with questions when it comes to transitioning out of car allowance 

It’s typical to see questions arise from all levels in the company. It’s understandable that drivers will have questions about how it will impact on them, but the admins will have questions about how to manage their new program. It’s important for everyone to be on the same page to ensure a smooth transition. 

The post Frequently Asked Questions By Drivers Transitioning From Car Allowance appeared first on Motus.

That’s why Motus comes prepared! We have an awesome Support Team ready to help with anything they need. Plus, our Help Center has a ton of articles ready to assist those proactive employees.

So, what are some common questions that drivers have when they move on from their fleet program? 

Can you change cars at any time? 

Yes, you can update your primary vehicle at any time. If you need to update your vehicle, you can simply visit the forms page in the Motus app or login on Motus.com and update your Business Vehicle Information Form (BVIF). 

Pro tip to remember: Each time you update the BVIF, you’re confirming that vehicle is now the primary vehicle that you’ll be using. Each time you complete this form you will also be required to provide insurance for the vehicle.

What do you do if you have a personal trip on your log in the middle of the day? 

This is a great question! If a personal trip was recorded in your mileage log in the middle of your day, you can simply delete that trip from the mileage log. The Motus App will determine the optimal route between the previous location visited and the next stop recorded in the mileage log.  

Can I submit multiple times per month? What if I submit before the month is over? 

This is an excellent question! There is a key thing to remember that mileage entry and submission are different. When you’re submitting your mileage, you’re letting Motus know that you’re done driving for the month and you’re finalizing your mileage. This should only be done once at the end of the month. If you submit mileage early, the month closes so you won’t be able to continue logging mileage. Although you’ll enter/log mileage daily via GPS or manually, make sure to only submit mileage once per month. 

What happens if I submit my mileage late? 

If mileage is submitted after the deadline, it will be reimbursed in the following payment period. It’s important to know that your employer can set a time limit to submit late mileage and can potentially expire. Once mileage has expired, it cannot be submitted for reimbursement and that mileage would not be included towards the annual IRS requirement of 5,000 business mileage. 

Will I ever get compliance reminders? 

Every time you log into the app or website, you’ll see the status of all forms when viewing that page. You won’t be sent any notifications if all forms are on file. However, you would receive a notification each month on the 25th if there is a form missing from the file (insurance, vehicle), as well as a notification before any taxable income is applied. In addition to the out of compliance reminders, you’ll also receive reminders to submit your mileage before the deadline each month.

Is the variable reimbursement based on where I live or where I drive? 

Excellent question! It’s a combination of both, essentially. When Motus gathers the data to determine the variable rate, we gather from over 150,000 fueling stations within your Metropolitan Statistical Area, which spans a greater distance than your zip code. This helps ensure the data being gathered from where you live and would fill up your fuel tank the most during your work week. 

Where can I see the breakdown of my vehicle reimbursement? 

To find the breakdown of your reimbursement, simply login to your Motus account online by visiting the reimbursement details page. This page will show you all the fixed costs as well as all the variable costs. 

Helpful Info: You can also see some additional details that go into the calculation of your fixed and variable reimbursements such as:

• The Standard Automobile chosen by your employer 

• Retention Period 

• City Driving Percentage 

• Base Location 

How do we get reimbursed for the wear and tear of using our personal vehicle for work? 

This is a great question! Through a Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) reimbursement program, the goal is to provide a fair and accurate reimbursement that is individualized.

Because of this, your reimbursement is influenced by several factors that drive the calculation of costs such as: 

• Your employer’s required insurance premiums (Based on your home zip code) 

• License and Registration Fees (Based on your home zip code) 

• Taxes (Based on the MSRP of the standard automobile) 

• Depreciation (Based on your Annual Expected Business Mileage) 

The costs above are calculated based on the standard automobile your employer has chosen. 

Drivers aren’t the only ones with questions about transitioning Vehicle Programs 

Moving from one vehicle program to another involves a lot of logistics that affects everyone from the drivers on the road to the administrators’ making decisions for the company. It’s important for everyone that we’re on the same page every step of the journey to meeting your company’s goals.

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